Know Your Grass
by Joe Grady / Freedom Lawns of Charleston

Bermuda | St. Augustine | Centipede | Zoysia

Bermuda

 
Bermuda is a beautiful sun-loving grass and the most widely recognized turf among the general public throughout the southern U.S.  For the past half century Bermuda has been found in tropical and subtropical climates throughout the world in athletic fields, home lawns, and parks.  Common or "wild" Bermuda currently invades lawns and landscapes in every neighborhood in our area.  However, plant scientists have cross-pollinated Bermuda to produce dozens of varieties of highly functional turf grasses, which provide thick and beautiful lawns that recover quickly from traffic and environmental stress.  Proper treatment and maintenance are essential to the health and appearance of your Bermuda lawn.

Mowing Requirements
(1 inch every 5-7 days)

The mowing requirements for Bermuda grass are more specific than any of the other warm season turf grasses.  Like Zoysia, Bermuda may be mowed at heights below 1 inch if using a reel mower or 1- 1.25 inch when using a standard rotary mower.  When mowed above 1.25 inches Bermuda will appear thin and wiry and will likely experience poor color, poor density, and weed infestation.  Bermuda also requires more frequent mowing than other turf grasses in our area.  Mowing every 3-5 days using a sharp mowing blade is optimal, but a weekly mowing schedule is sufficient for the average busy homeowner.  Proper mowing technique and frequency will help produce a thick and attractive Bermuda lawn for you and your family to enjoy.

Fertilization Requirements

Bermuda is not only the highest maintenance grass but also boasts the highest fertilization requirements of all southern turf grasses.  Bermuda responds best to heavy fertilizations throughout the growing season. However, not just any fertilizer will suffice.  High fertilization requirements have proven to increase the occurrence of over or improper applications by both homeowners and lawn services.  Improper use of fertilizers will cause moderate to severe damage to any lawn, even Bermuda.  Freedom Lawns has developed several organic based fertilizers which safely provide Bermuda with essential nutrients throughout the growing season.  A carefully executed weed control program is also suggested due to the high nitrogen fertilizers required by your Bermuda lawn.

Common Pests

General Information (Bermuda)

Freedom Lawns of Charleston
(843) 552-4444

 St. Augustine

Palmetto St. Augustine grass is known as "Charleston grass" because of its popularity in our area over the past 15 years, but many other varieties are also found throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, and southern United States.  St. Augustine is a beautiful dark green turf best known for its tolerance to shade and coarse texture but is considered a “looking grass” due to its low functionality.  This means that St. Augustine is easily damaged by foot and pet traffic.  Understanding the needs of your St. Augustine turf will allow you to better care for your lawn.

Mowing Requirements
(3 - 4 inches every 7 days)

St. Augustine has very different mowing needs compared to other warm season grasses in our area.  The most common mistake committed while mowing St. Augustine is mowing too short.  A low mowing height causes stress to St. Augustine leading to poor color, stunted growth, and various disease problems.  Mowing with a dull mower blade also causes many of the same issues.  Mowing weekly is considered ideal for all types of St. Augustine.  Infrequent mowing schedules will likely result in weed and disease pressures.

Fertilization Requirements

Fertilization needs for St. Augustine vary according to the different environmental factors in every landscape.  Your property is a micro ecosystem that is unique and even different than your closest neighbor.  Freedom Lawns organic- based fertilizers are great for St. Augustine due to their slow release properties. Quick release synthetic fertilizers overload your turf with nitrogen in a very short period of time, dramatically increasing the likelihood of fungal diseases and weed infestation.  Never allow anyone to apply fertilizer to your lawn who is not familiar with the specific needs of St. Augustine.

Common Pests

  General Information (St. Augustine)

Freedom Lawns of Charleston
(843) 552-4444

Centipede

Centipede grass is quickly becoming one of the most popular turf grasses in our region with landscapers and homeowners alike.  Centipede grass is native to Asia but is currently found in sub tropical climates throughout the western hemisphere.  Centipede is a light- to- medium green slow growing grass which is well adapted to acidic soils and is considered low maintenance compared to other warm season turf grasses.  If cared for properly, Centipede will provide an attractive and functional lawn for your family for years to come.

Mowing Requirements
(1.5 to 2.5 inches every 7 days)

As with all turf grasses proper mowing habits are essential to the overall health and appearance of Centipede grass.  The most common mistake committed while mowing Centipede is a high mowing height.  Centipede is a low growing turf and will experience a host of problems if maintained above 2.5 inches including disease, spittle bug infestation, and Centipede decline.   Despite its reputation as the "Lazy Man's Grass", Centipede should be mowed every 7 days throughout the growing season using a rotary mower with a sharp cutting blade.  Infrequent mowing schedules will result in poor health, poor density, poor appearance, and weed infestation.

Fertilization Requirements

The leading cause of almost all problems experienced in Centipede is due to improper fertilization by homeowners and lawn services.  The nutrient requirements for Centipede are so completely different from other warm season grasses that accidentally over feeding your lawn is very easy to do.  Almost all fertilizers sold in garden centers and agricultural stores contain 2 to 4 times the amount of nitrogen than is needed for Centipede grass.  High amounts of nitrogen will create a very dense and dark green Centipede lawn but at a very costly price.  That price is disease, weed infestation, and ultimately, Centipede decline (a slow and painful death).  Freedom Lawns has developed 2 highly organic fertilizers low in nitrogen and high in potassium to ensure a healthy and attractive Centipede lawn year round.  Never allow anyone to apply fertilizer to your lawn who is not educated in the specific needs of Centipede.

Common Pests

General Information (Centipede)

Freedom Lawns of Charleston
(843) 552-4444

Zoysia

Zoysia is a gift from South Asia and likely the most versatile of all warm season turf grasses.  Zoysia is a beautiful dark green colored turf praised for its resistance to cold and drought conditions.  Recent years have produced new varieties of Zoysia which are tolerant to shady conditions similar to St. Augustine. It's also a highly functional grass used in athletic fields, golf courses, and home lawns from Miami as far north as coastal New Jersey.  Zoysia is by no means the "perfect grass" but will provide a dense and attractive lawn when treated and maintained properly.

Mowing Requirements
(1 to 1.5 inches every 7 days)

As with all southern turf grasses Zoysia has specific mowing requirements to achieve the maximum density and color that a Zoysia owner expects.  All varieties of Zoysia are slightly different however the basic guidelines are the same.  If using a standard rotary mower, Zoysia should be maintained at 1 to 2 inches using a sharp cutting blade.  The dense wire- thin turf will quickly dull mower blades, frequent sharpening may be needed.  If using a reel mower Zoysia may be mowed 1/2 to 1 inches.  Frequent mowing using a reel mower will provide an extremely dense lawn resistant to weed infestation and foot traffic.

Fertilization Requirements

The versatility of Zoysia extends to its fertilization needs as well.  The nutrient requirements for Zoysia lawns differ in every landscape.  Many factors must be taken into consideration prior to feeding Zoysia.  Having a professional who is educated in the ever changing needs of your Zoysia lawn and who is using safe fertilizers will ensure maximum potential is achieved.  Zoysia has proven to respond well to all of Freedom Lawns organic based fertilizers and may be fed heavily during the summer months to quickly rebound from environmental stresses.  Never allow anyone to apply fertilizer to your lawn who is not educated in the specific needs of Zoysia.

Common Pests

General Information (Zoysia)

Freedom Lawns of Charleston
(843) 552-4444